How does low Ca++ levels cause tetany ? Please explain the mechanism.

Dear Student, 

Tetany is a medical sign consisting of the involuntary contraction of muscles.

Low ionized calcium levels in the extracellular fluid increase the permeability of neuronal membranes to sodium ion,causing a progressive depolarization, which increases the possibility of action potentials. This extend the duration of actional potential.

This sustained contraction is termed as tentany. 

Regards

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